MEXICO CITY, Oct. 23 -- Angel Aguirre Rivero, governor of violence-torn state of Guerrero in southern Mexico, on Thursday announced to step down in the wake of a scandal involving 43 students who had gone missing in a town known as Iguala since Sept. 26.

In a televised press conference, Governor Angel Aguirre Rivero said he hoped his resignation would help "promote a favorable political climate to focus attention and lead to a resolution" of the incident.

His resignation came a day after renowned intellectuals from around the globe joined a growing international outcry demanding justice for the 43 missing students.

The state congress is expected to consider his resignation and name a replacement.